DJI signs 10-year lease for first Northern store at Manchester Arndale

Drone and imaging technology company DJI has agreed a 10-year lease on a 3,386 sq ft store at Manchester Arndale, its first in the North.

The shopping centre called the deal “a distinctive addition to Manchester Arndale’s evolving retail mix, further reinforcing the destination’s appeal to innovative brands.”

DJI is best known for drones, camera stabilisation systems and handheld imaging devices, and is widely recognised among content creators, photographers, filmmakers and technology fans. Founded in 2006, it has reshaped the consumer drone market and now trades in more than 100 countries.

Beyond conventional retail

Manchester Arndale says the letting is part of its plan to widen its tenant mix beyond traditional retail. Shoppers are increasingly looking for experience-led and specialist brands, and the centre believes a global tech name adds something new and broadens its appeal to digitally engaged visitors.

DJI follows a run of recent signings at the centre, including Arc’teryx, Sephora, XF Gym, Pro:Direct, Neals Yard and, most recently, GARAGE, which the centre points to as evidence of demand from brands wanting a presence in what it calls the North West’s premier retail destination.

M&G Real Estate portfolio manager Scott Linard said: “We are thrilled that DJI has selected Manchester Arndale for this new store opening. The brand represents a different category of retailer to the scheme’s traditional offer, bringing an experience-led dimension that complements our existing tenant mix.

“Our strategy remains focused on curating a best-in-class lineup of brands that reflect the evolving interests of visitors from Manchester and beyond.”

Global Mutual’s head of European retail asset management, Steve Gray, said: “The arrival of this globally recognised brand highlights Manchester Arndale’s appeal to retailers of all kinds. Introducing leading tech operator DJI further diversifies the destination and strengthens our position as a leading regional retail hub.”

Years in the making

Oliver Marshall, director of Cited Property, which acted for DJI on the acquisition, said: “This deal has been a number of years in the making. Finding the right opportunity in Manchester city centre for a brand of DJI’s global standing required patience but being part of Manchester Arndale and fronting onto Market Street was DJI’s ideal position.

“Off the back of the success of the Birmingham and London stores, this will be the new northern flagship store for such an exciting global brand. I’m really pleased to have worked on this letting on behalf of DJI and look forward to the store’s opening.”